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Clinic services for women

Nkazi Sikrweqe, pharmacy owner of Link’s Luke Pharmacy in the Eastern Cape’s Dutywa believes that women typically put the needs of others before themselves, but need to start putting their well-being first.

“As a community pharmacy, we understand the needs and challenges of our customers. And as women, we can empathise with them. Our clinic services provide essential services and a space where our women can feel comfortable”.

Clinic services offered by Nkazi’s Luke Pharmacy include:

  • STD testing. When detected, the pharmacist will either recommend treatment or refer the customer to a doctor.
  • Contraception care, ranging from best options and associated risks.
  • Sugar level screening, an easy and quick test to check sugar levels which can cause diabetes if untreated. To emphasise the importance of this quick screening, The Heart Foundation estimates that one in 10 South Africans have diabetes but only one in two know that they have diabetes.
  • Blood pressure screening. Another quick and non-invasive screening. You don’t often experience the symptoms of high blood pressure which is why it is called ‘the silent killer’.
  • Pregnancy. The support offered by a clinic is wide-ranging. An important aspect is to alert the expectant mother on medication which can cause harm to them or the foetus. Appropriate supplements and vitamins can be important for a healthy immune system and for building strong bones and muscles. Your pharmacist can be your ‘good health’ partner during pregnancy.

“We also offer counselling in two very important areas, HIV and mental health. South Africa is the most affected HIV country in the world, and counselling helps people to cope with their HIV status, while also reducing the risk of transmitting the infection to others”.

Regarding the need to assist customers with mental health disorders, the Annual Mental State of the World Report published in March 2022 ranks South Africa as one of the worst countries regarding mental health.

“Having a mental health disorder is not a sign of weakness as it is a medical condition like any other. We counsel our customers and where needed, we’ll refer them to a doctor as a treatment plan may require use of prescription drugs. In such cases, we can advise them on possible side-effects of the medication”.

“Our women customers see our pharmacy as a safe place where they can visit and know that we understand them. Our message to our women customers is to keep on being the very best mother, wife, daughter and sister that you are, but your family needs you to put yourself first to enjoy the significant best that you bring”.

 

While all reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this article, information may change or become dated, as new developments occur. The Link group shall not be held liable or accountable for the accuracy, completeness or correctness of any information for any purpose. No content in this article, irrespective of the date or reference source, should be viewed as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor, pharmacist or any other suitably qualified clinician.

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